Dinnerware lining machine



July 31, 1945.

W. H. EMERSON DINNERWARE LIIIING MACHINE Filed April 3, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 .d4/LM."

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WITNESS 5 W @MM July 3l, 1945. w. H. EMERSON DINNERWARE LINING MACHINE Filed April 3, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet Z5 INVENTOR.

July 31, 1945. W. i-l. EMERSON 2,380,509

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DINNERWARE LINING MACHINE\ Filed April 3, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 W/INVENTO a BES/wm,

WITNESSES.

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Patented July 3l, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l assauts DINNEBWABE LINING MACHINE Walter H. Emerson, East Liverpool, Ohio, assignor to The Homer Laughlin China Company, tNewell, W. Va.. a corporation` of Delaware Application April, 1948, Serial No. 481,737

34 Claims. (Cl. 91-12) erable skill is required to thus paint a line of uniform width and in proper relation to the edge of the ware, and the liners who do it are highly paid. Due to the cost and the inherent slowness of the-hand process. this type of decoration is relatively expensive. One of the chief dimculties with lining by machinery has been the lack of a suitable applicator for painting the.

lines, especially when the periphery of the ware is irregular or out of round. Another shortcoming is that most of the machines that have been proposed can not be operated fast enough to justify their taking the place of handlabor.

It is among the objects of this invention to provide dinnerware lining apparatus Awhich is rapid in operation, which satisfactorily lines ware that is out of round or of irregular shape, which centers the ware, which uses a satisfactory applicator, which is automatic,` and which is relatively simple in construction and operation.

In accordance with this invention, a plurality of chucks, each having its own color applicator, are mounted on -means by which they are continuousiy carried in an endless path. Associated with each chuck is a. device for centering warey thereon. The chucks preferably are disposed vertically at spaced rintervals around the edge of a continuously revolving table and depend upon suction to hold ware against them. Each applicator is movable between inoperative position and operative position in which it engages ware supported by the adjacent chuck, means being provided for moving the applicator from one position to the other. While an applicator is engaging ware. relative movement is effected between the applicator and ware circumferentially ofthe latter, such as by rotating the supporting chuck. rWhen the applicator is retracted, a decorated piece of ware is removed from the chuck by hand or automatically and an unlined piece is placed thereon.

The applicator includes a color-saturated wick of felt or other suitable material projecting from one end of a substantially horizontal tubular member. Color for the wick is supplied to the opposite end of the tubular member which is supported with the wick positioned to engage the ware. It is preferred that the tubular member or its support be iiexible so that the wick can follow ware of irregular shape. The applicator is guided on thel ware by a guide member attached to the applicator and projecting forward across the edge of the ware in engagement therewith. A wavy line can be painted-by having the guide member engage a cam of the desired shape mounted concentrically :with the ware. The applicator preferably is moved toward the ware by a spring land away from it by cam means.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is a view of my decorating machine partly in plan and partly in section; Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of one of the centering devices taken on the line II--II oi Fig. 1: Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line III-III of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical section of my machine takeny approximately on the line IV-IV of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section through a chuck and applicator made in accordance with a modification of this invention; Fig. 6 is .a side view of another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 'lis a fragmentary vertical section through a chuck modified to receive and center a cup that is to be lined; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side view of another applicator with an automatic unloader; Fig. 9 is a reduced front view of Fig. 8; Fig. l0 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing some of the elements in vertical section; and F18. 1l is a. plan view taken. on the line XI-XI of Fig. 8.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings, a vertical shaft i is rotatably mounted in the center of a housing 2 in a lower bearing 3, and in an upper bearing 4 supported by a cylindrical casting 5 on top of the housing. Mounted on the lower end of the shaft is a gear 1 that is driven by a pinion 8 at the lower end of a speed reducing unit 9 which is fastened to the side of the housing. The speed reducing unit is driven by a upper bearing and supports a table I6 which may have any number of sides, depending upon the desired number of lining heads, in this example eight. Connected to the underside of the table adjacent each of lts eight sides is a yoke i1 supporting a. pair of bearings I8 spaced radially of the table. The outer end of each yoke supports a cylindrical head i3 coaxial with the adjacent bearing, as shown in Fig. 4. Rotatably mounted in each pair of bearings is a radial spindle 2| that carries a bevel pinion 22 at its inner end. These pinions all meshwith a bevel gear 23 enciicling the center shaft and rigidly mounted on c sting 5. It will be seen that when the table is rotated, the gear and pinions will cause the spindles to rotate.

Each spindle is provided with an axial bore 25 extending inwardly from its outer end to a point between the two supporting bearings. At the inner end of this bore there is a radial passage 26 through the wall oi the shaft into an annular chamber 21 in a rotary seal 28 in which the spindle is journaled. The upper part of chamber 21 is connected to the lower end of a pipe 23 which extends up through the yoke and table. Above the table this pipe is connected by a hose 30 to one of several radial passages in a coupling 3| rigidly mounted on the center of the table. These passages open into a central vertical passage 32 that is encircled by the stationary part of a rotaryv seal 33 connected by a pipe 3l to a vacuum pump (not shown).

In the axial bore of each spindle there is telescoped a hollow shaft 36 the extent of axial movement of which is limited by set screws 31 that project from the surrounding enlarged end of the spindle into longitudinal slots 38 in the side of the enlarged outer end of the shaft. The length of the shaft is such that it never closes radial passage 26 at the inner end of the spindle bore. The spindle and shaft-are provided near their outer ends with a slide valve, preferably of the type in which the passage through the shaft is closed by a transverse partition 40, and the wall of the shaft on both sides of the partition is provided with series of circumferentially spacedopenings 4|. When the shaft is pushed into the spindle all of the openings 4| are connected by an annular chamber in a valve housing 4,3 that surrounds the shaft, thereby connecting the two parts o f the shaft passage. When the shaft is pulled out to its outer position, the openings 4| on the outer side of the partition are located outside of the valve housing where they are connected to the atmosphere by openings M through the wall of the spindle. The openings on the other side of the partition never leave the housing chamber. The shaft is removably retained in its outer and. inner positions by spring pressed stop m'eans I6 between the shaft and spindle.

The outer end of each hollow shaft carries a chuck 50 in which a flexible diaphragm 5| is mounted. The outer side of the diaphragm carries a flexible suction cup 52, and the centers of the cup and diaphragm are provided with a central opening 53 to .place the cup in communication with the hollow shaft. The cup normally projects a short distance from the face of the chuck. It will be seen that if a piece of ware. such as a dinner plate, is placed against the suction cup and chuck and pushed toward the center of the table. shaft 38 will be pushed into the spindle. This will move the vacuum valve to connect the inner end of the shaft with the suction cup so that the plate will be held against vthe chuck. To release the plate it is only'ne'cessary to pull it outwardly, which will pull the chuck and shaft and thereby open the vacuum valve to the atmosphere. o

As it is highly desirable that the ware on each chuck be centered relative thereto while it is being decorated, means has been associated with eachA chuck for that purpose. Accordingly, a cylindrical member Ilfhaving a vertical annular flange 56 at lts outer end, is telescoped over the head I9 behind each chuck. Projecting outwardly from this flange at three equally spaced points are three pins 51 each carrying onits central portion a small roller 58. 'I'hese rollers project into a peripheral groove in a centering ring 59 and thereby rotatably support it in front of flange 56, with the ring and encircling the chuck with which it is concentric. Oscillatably mounted on the outer end of each pin is an arm 8| provided with a bifurcated lateral projection 82 that straddles a boss 63 on the outer face of the centering ring. The other end of the arm carries an outwardly projectingcentering pin 34.

It will be seen that if the centering ring is turned, its bosses will'swing the arms and thereby swing the three centering pins simultaneously either toward or away from the Aaxis of the ring. The ring is normally urged in the direction that will open the centering pins by a coil spring i6 fastened to the -ring and the flange behind it.

The movement of the centering ringv in this dlrection is adjustably limited by astop screw 61 threadedly connected to the back of the ange with its lower end engaging a pin 63 projecting Uil from the back ofthe ring through an arcuate slot 69 in the flange, as indicated in Fig. 2. A

To rotate the centering ring in the opposite direction, a pin 1| extends from its'back through an arcuate slot 12 in the flange and into the upper v end of a tubular member 13. 'I'he lower end of this member is slidably mounted in a bearing 14 pivoted to the flange. Telescoped in the tubular member and projecting from its lower end is a rod 16 that is pressed downwardly by a coil spring 11 inside the tubular member. The lower end of the rod carries a roller 13 that is adapted to engage and travel over a cam 19 mounted on top of the main housing. When the cam hits the rod, the pin 1| at its upper end turns the centering ring and thereby swings the centering pins toward the chuck. The ilrst one or two centering pins to engage the ware push it side' ways on the chuck until it strikes the remaining pin or pins, whereupon the center of the ware is at the center of the chuck. 'I'he suction cup 52 is used becausel otherwise, if the entire bottom of the ware were exposed to the suction it might be held against the chuck too tightly to be moved by the centering pins. Diaphragm 5| is oversize so that it will not prevent the suction cup from moving laterally with the ware as the latter is centered. If the ware engaged by the pins is oversize they will not break it because spring 11 in tube 13 will compress and permit rod 10 to move upwardly without moving the tube.

In order to paint lines on the ware held by the rotating chucks an applicator is mounted in front of each one. The applicator shown in Figs. 1 and 4 includes a flexible rubber tube 3| that extends through the center of a considerably larger lrigid tube 82. The two tubes are connected together only at their outer ends, so the inner tube is free to be nexed within the outer one. 'I'he other end of the flexible tube projects from the rigid tube and supports a nozzle 83 from which projects a rod-like bodyl 84 of felt or other suitable material having the capillary characteristics of a. wick. Color is supplied to the wick inside the nozzle from a small cup 85 supported by the outer end of the flexible tube, so the projecting end of thewick always is moistened with color. The rigid tube of the applicator is adjustably supported by a clamp 86 at the upper end of a rod 81 which is vertically adjustable in a clamp 88 mounted on the outer end of a tube 89. This tube is slidable radiallyof the machine in a tubular guide member 9| that is connected to the bottom of flange 56. Tube 89 is pulled inwardly by an internal spring 92 connected to its outer end and to a stud 93 projecting from the guide member up through a slot in the wall of the tube, The distance that the tube can move inwardly is limited by another stud 94 that likewise projects upwardly from the guide member through another slot in the tube. By having such a stop, the pressure of the applicator against the ware can be controlled to a large extent. As shown inFig. 1, the applicator is inclined to the ware so that if the ware is warped the flexible tube 8| can flex to compensate for it. The applicator is pushed out away from the ware periodically by an arcuate cam 96 mounted on housing 2 and which is engaged by a roller 91 carried by the inner end of tube 89.

While the applicator wick is engaging the ware it is compelled by a guide member 98 to follow the Ware at a uniform distance from the periphery thereof. The guide is mounted on nozzle 83 from which it projects across the edge of the ware. If the ware is irregular in shape, iiexible tube 8| will bend to compensate for it. Thus, the applicator can satisfactorily line the edge of ware which is scalloped;

The distance circumferentially of the table that the applicator is in contact with the ware is determined by the length of cam 96 that rev moves the applicator from the ware so that lined ware can be removed from the chuck and unlined ware applied to it. It has been found that if the ware makes slightly over two revolutions on its axis while engaged by the applicator a good line is produced. The ware will always make the same number of revolutions per table revolution regardless of the speed of rotation of the table, because the two speeds are positively related through the engagement of pinions 22 with gear 23.

In operating this machine an operator seated beside the continuously rotating table I6 picks up a piece of ware, such as a dinner plate, and places its foot against a chuck 50 that is in its outer position. While in this position no suction is applied to the chuck because the associated vacuum valve is closed. Also, during this period the applicator is held in its outer position away from the plate by means of cam 96. The plate is pressed against the chuck to slide the shaft 36 into spindle 2| so that the vacuum valve will connect the bore 25 with the suction cup and thus hold the plate against the chuck.

Immediately after this the roller 18 of the centering device strikes the cam 19 and thereby turns centering ring 59 which swings centering pins 64 inwardly to center the plate on the chuck. As soon as the roller leaves the cam the centering pins are swung away from the plate to leave its edge free.

After centering, roller 91 of the applicator assembly. runs off cam 96, and spring 92 simultaneously pulls the applicator inwardly until stopped by stud 94. The applicator has previously been adjusted in clamp 86 so that when it is in its inner position its wick 84 will normally engage the ware with the right amount of pressure for lining. The relation of the different elements of the machine is such-that the plate preferably makes a little over two revolutions on its axis while engaged by the applicator. Bythat time the rotating table brings applicator roller 91 into contact with the front end of cam 96 by which the applicator is pushed outwardly the spindle. The lined plate is laid aside for the |20 mounted on housing 2.

next operation on it, and an unlined plate is applied to the chuck to repeat the cycle just described.

In the modification shown in Fig. 5 the automatic centering device is'omitted and the ware is centered by providing the face of the chuck with a circular recess |0| concentric with the chuck. This recess is large enough to snugly receive the foot of a piece of Ware |02 and thereby center it relative to the chuck. The recess preferably is formed in a facing member |03 detachably connected to the body of the chuck by spring |04 so that the chuck can quickly be provided with recesses for receiving ware of different sizes.

A different type of applicator is illustrated also. It comprises a rigid tubular member |06 provided at one end with a color inlet |01 and at the other end with a nozzle |08 containing a wick |09 that projects into contact with the ware. The tube is adjustably supported by a clamp on the upper end of a vertical rod ||2 clamped to a horizontal rod ||3 disposed radially of the table. The horizontal rod is slidably mounted in 'a tubular guide ||5 pivoted in a bracket ||6 depending from head I9. The rod is pulled inwardly of the guide by a spring ||1 attached to the guide and to a pin |I8 extending vertically through the rod. The lower end of this pin carries a roller ||9 that periodically engages a cam rlhe outer end of the tubular guide is urged upwardly by a spring v|2| connecting it to the bracket above, while a roller |22 on the inner end of the guide periodically engages a cam surface |23 for swinging the applicator down away from the ware. Fig. 5 shows rollers ||9 and |22 just as they are starting to engage the cams to first push the applicator straight out away from the lined ware and then swing the applicator downwardly so that it will not interfere with removal of the ware from the chuck.

If it is desired to paint a wavy line on Ware having a round periphery, a cam |26, shown in Fig. 6, is mounted concentrically on a chuck |21 of the kind shown in Fig. 5. 'This cam projects beyond the edge of the ware |28 in front of it and has an edge shaped to the contour of the line that is to be painted. A guide member |29, projecting from the nozzle 83 of an applicator like that shown in Fig. v4, extends past the Ware free of its edge and engages the wavy edge of the cam to guide the applicator accordingly. The flexible tube 8| of the applicator.

permits it to follow the cam.

When it is desired to linel cups on this machine, a cup chuck is mounted on the rotating flat ware chuck |35 as shown in Fig. 1. The latter chuck is shown provided with a combined diaphragm and suction cup |36 of slightly different form than the one in Fig. 4, but it can be the same. The cup chuck comprises a metal plate |31 fastened to chuck |35 and having a central bearing |38 in which a short rod |39 is slidably mounted. The outer end of the rod is attached to an expanding wedge -|4| which is urged away from the plate by a coil spring |42. The Wedge ls encircled by an expandable ring |43 that frictionally engages the inner surface of the cup |45 to support the cup and simultaneously center it. To expand the ring, the inner end of the rod is connected to the center of a flexible diaphragm |44 clamped at its edge between plate |31 and the chuck. 'I'he center of -the diaphragm carries a metal disc |46 having an annular wall |41 provided with openings |48 through it. This wall engages the suction cup to space it from diaphragm |44, and the openings permit suction to be applied to the entire face of the diaphragm in order that it will exert considerable pull on wedge |4| for expanding ring |43. The rotating cup is lined by an applicator |49. When the suction in the chuck is rel-eased, spring |42 pushes the wedge outwardly, whereupon ring |43 contracts and releases the cup.

An applicator especially suited for use with an automatic unloading device is illustrated in Figs. 8 to 11, but this applicator can be used even though the ware is removed from the machine by hand. A continuously rotating chuck |60 is shown similar to that illustrated in Fig. 5, and a bracket |6| projects radially from cylindrical head |9. As shown in Fig. 9, this bracket projects a considerable distance to the side of the chuck so that the applicator will not be supported from beneath the ware |62 which would cause interference with automatic removal of the ware from the chuck. Rigidly mounted in the outer end of the bracket is a rod |63 that extends outwardly past the ware. Asleeve |64 is rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod, but its movements are limited by a, pin |65 that extends through the rod and into diametrically opposite slots |66 in the sleeve. These slots have a length and width greater than the diameter of the pin (Fig. 11) so that the sleeve can move a limited distance axially and circumferentially of the rod. Adjustably mounted on the sleeve is a clamp |68 that supports a short length of flexible tubing |69 in the upper end of which is mounted an adjustable ball and socket unit |10. The ball supports a clamp |1| that holds an applicator |12 like the one shown in Fig. 5. The inner end of the sleeve is provided with a laterally projecting arm |13 that extends downwardly toward the top of housing 2 and carries a roller |14 at its lower end.

Rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod between the inner end of the sleeve and bracket |8| is the upper end of a downwardly inclined lever having a roller |16 at its lower end. The inner end of the rod-encircling portion of the lever has a pair of projections |1' provided with inclined cam surfaces and that project into recesses |18 in a ring |19 attached to the bracket. The recesses have inclined cam surfaces that cooperate with the cam projections. The sleeve and lever are held together at all times by a spring |8| anchored at its ends in them and coiled around the sleeve. I'he lever is urged toward the bracket by a similar spring |82 attached to them and coiled around cam ring |19. The two springs it to such a position that lever roller |16 reaches a cam |84 on top of housing 2. The cam swings the lever upwardly, thereby causing cam projections to force themselves out of the cam recesses. This slides the lever and sleeve outwardly on the rod so that the applicator is backed away from the ware as shown in Fig. 8. As soon as the applicator has thus been separated from the ware, the sleeve arm roller |14 strikes a cam |85 which raises the arm and thereby swings the applicator laterally away from in front of the ware to the position shown in Fig. 9. The ware is now free to be removed from the chuck by hand or automatically.

To remove the ware automatically, a push rod |81 is slidably mounted in bracket |6| close to the chuck and parallel to its axis. The rod is urged inwardly by a coil spring |88 (Fig. 10) mounted thereon and compressed between the bracket and a, fork |89 at the inner end of the rod which supports a roller |90. The outer end of the rod has a rubber tip |9| for engaging the brim of the ware projecting beyond the chuck.

When roller |90 strikes a cam |92 mounted on top of the housing, the rod is pushed outwardly against the ware and thereby pushes the chuck out until the suction on the ware is released, whereupon the ware drops through a guide |93 (Figs. 8 and 9) carried by the chuck assembly and slides down a chute |94 onto a conveyor belt |95. The chute is rigidly attached to the side of the main housing. The push rod then runs oi cam |92 and is retracted by its spring |88. A new piece of ware can then be placed against the chuck and pushed inwardly to establish suction in the chuck. As soon as a piece of ware has thus been affixed to the chuck, arm roller |14 runs oii cam |85 and spring |8| turns the sleeve to swing the applicator over in front of the ware. The other roller |16 then runs oi the other cam |84, and spring |82 swings lever |15 downwardly and simultaneously pulls it in t0- ward the bracket so that the sleeve is pulled inwardly on the rod to move the applicator into engagement with the ware for lining it. After lining, the cycle described above is repeated.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the principle and operation of my invention and have illustrated and described what I now consider to represent its best embodiment. However, I desire to have it understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specically illustrated and described.

I claim:

l. Apparatus .for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a flexible tube, a wick-like member projecting from one end of the tube, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the tube to wet said member therein, and means engaging the tube adjacent said opposite end for supporting it with said member disposed against ware to decorate it.

ing color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, a guide member attached to said tubular member and projecting forward beyond the outer end of said wick-like material, means for rotatably supporting a piece of ware, and means including a flexible element supporting said tubular member with said guide member engaging the periphery of a rotating ,piece of ware and with the end oi' said material engaging the surface of the ware to paint a line around it. n ff 3. Apparatus for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substantially vertical, a substantially 1 horizontal tubular member disposed in front of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member for decorating said ware, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, resilient means for urging said member into a position directly in front of ware on the chuck, resilient means for urging said member toward the chuck parallel to its axis of rotation to cause said material to engage the ware, and means for periodically moving said member away from the chuck against the resistance of both of said resilient means.

4. Apparatus for decorating the edges oi' dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substantially vertical, a substantially horizontal tubular member disposed in front of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member for decorating said ware, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, means supporting said member for universal movement, resilient means for moving said member toward the chuck, stop means for limiting said movel ment, and means for periodically pushing said member away from the chuck.

. 5. Apparatus for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substantially vertical, a substantially horizontal tubular member disposed in front of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, a tube projecting forward from beside the chuck, a rod slidably mounted in the tube and projecting from its outer end, means connecting said tubular member to said outer end of the rod, a spring for pulling the rod inwardly of the tube to move the outer end of said material intocontact with said ware, and a cam for periodically moving the rod outwardly of the tube.

6. A lining machine for iired clay dinnerware, comprising a plurality of fluid-actuatedl wareholding chucks, a color applicator mounted adjacent each chuck and adapted to be moved from inoperative to operative position beside ware supported by the chuck, supporting means for continuously moving said chucks and applicators in an endless path, means for effecting relative movement between each applicator and adjacent chuck circumferentially oi' ware on the latter to decorate said ware, and means for periodically moving the applicators from one of said positions to the other.

'7. A lining machine for fired dinnerware, comprising a plurality of chucks for rigidly engaging ware and holding it substantially vertical, a color applicator iiexibly mounted for lateral movement adjacent each chuck and adapted to engage ware supported thereby, supporting means torcontinuously moving said chucks and applicators in an endless path, means for eiiecting relative movementbetween each applicator and adjacent chuck circumferentially of ware on the latter to paint a line on said ware, and means for periodically moving each successive applicator away from the adjacent ware.

8. A decorating machine for ilred dinnerware, comprising a plurality of chucks for holding ware substantially vertical, a color applicator mounted adjacent each chuck, supporting means for continuously moving said chucks and applicators in an endless path, means for moving the applicators into contact with ware supported by said chucks, means for effecting relative movement between each applicator and adjacent chuck circumferentially of ware on the latter to decorate said ware, and means responsive to the movement of said supporting means for periodically moving each applicator away fron?. the ware.

9. A lining machine for fired dinnerware, comprisingA a plurality of ware-receiving chucks, means for rigidly aiiixing ware to the chucks, a color applicator mounted adjacent each chuck, a common support for continuously moving said chucks and applicators in an endless path, means for moving the applicators into contact with ware supported by said chucks, means for eilecting relative movement between each applicator and adjacent chuck circumferentially of ware on thev latter to paint a line on said ware, a stationary cam, and means operatively connected to said applicators and adapted to periodically engage and be actuated by said cam for moving each applicator away from the ware.

10. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a plurality of ware-receiving chucks, means associated with each chuck for centering ware thereon, a color applicator located adjacent each chuck and having a color-applying surface adapted to engage and paint a line on ware supported on the chuck, supporting means for continuously moving said chucks and applicators and centering means in an endless path, means for eii'ecting relative movement between each applicator and adjacent chuck circumferentially of ware on the latter to decorate said ware, and means for periodically moving the applicator away from said ware.

11. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprisi ing a plurality of vacuum chucks adapted to support ware substantially vertically, means associated with each chuck for centering ware thereon, a flexibly supported color applicator disposed adjacent each chuck, means for moving the applicators into and out of contact with said ware. supporting means for said chucks and applicators and centering means, means for moving said supporting means continuously in an endless path, and means for` eiifecting relative movement between each applicatorand adjacent chuck circumferentially of ware on the latter to decorate said ware.

12. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality oi.' cireumferentially spaced Ware-receiving chucks mounted on the support for holding ware substantially vertical, a color applicator mounted on the support adjacent each chuck and adapted to engage ware supported thereby, means for rotating the chucks on a substantially horizontal axis in 6 a,seo,5oo

order to rotate the ware, a stationary cam adjacent said support, and means carried by said support and operatively connected to said applicators and adapted to engage and be actuated by said cam during each revolution of said support for moving each successive applicator out of contact with the adjacent ware.

13. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of circumferentially spaced ware-receiving chucks mounted on the support, means carried by said support adjacent each chuck for centering ware thereon, a color applicator mounted on the support adjacent each chuck and adapted to engage ware supported thereby, means for eilecting relative movement between each applicator and adjacent chuck circumferentially of ware on the latter, a stationary cam adjacent said support,

and means carried by said support and operatively connected to said applicators and adapted to engage and be actuated by said cam during each revolution of said support for moving each successive applicator out of contact with the adjacent ware.

14. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of clrcumferentially spaced ware-receiving chucks mounted on the support, means carried by said support adjacent each chuck for centering ware thereon, a stationary cam adapted to be engaged by and to actuate said centering means during each revolution of said support, a color applicator mounted on the support adjacent each chuck and adapted to engage ware supported thereby, means for effecting relative movement between each applicator and adjacent chuck circumierentially of ware on the latter, a stationary cam adjacent said support, and means carried by said support and operatively connected to said applicators and adapted to engage and be actuated by said cam during each revolution of said support for moving each successive applicator out of contact with the 'adjacent ware.

15. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality oi radial shafts rotatably mounted on said support, means for rotating the shafts, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer end of each shaft, means carried by said support for centering ware on each chuck, a color applicator carried by said support adjacent each chuck and adapted to -engage ware supported thereby, and means for periodically moving each successive applicator away from the adjacent ware.

16. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of radial shafts rotatably mounted on said support, means for rotating the shafts, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer end of each shaft, means carried by said support adjacent each chuck for centering ware thereon, a color applicator carried by said support adjacent each chuck, resilient means for urging the applicators toward the chucks, and means for periodically moving each successive applicator away from the adjacent chuck.

1'7. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of radial shafts rotatably mounted on said support, means for rotating the shafts, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer end of each shaft, means carried by said support adjacent each chuck for centering ware thereon. a color applicator carried by said support adjacent each chuck, resilient means for urging the applicators toward the chucks, stop means for limiting the movement of the applicators toward the chucks, and means for periodically moving each successive applicator away from the adjacent chuck.

18. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of radial shafts rotatably mounted on said support. means for rotating the shafts, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer end of each shaft, means on each chuck for centering ware thereon, a flexibly mounted and universally movable color applicator carried by said support adjacent each chuck, resilient means for urging the applicators toward the chucks, and means for periodically swinging each successive applicator outwardly away from the adjacent chuck.

19. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a. rotatable table, means for continuously rotating said table, a plurality of radial shafts rotatably mounted on said table, bevel pinions mounted on the inner ends of the shafts, a stationary bevel gear at the center of the table meshing with said pinions, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer end of each shaft, means carried by the table for centering ware on each chuck, a color applicator carried by said table adjacent each chuck and adapted to engage ware supported thereby, and means for periodically moving each successive applicator away from the adjacent chuck.

20. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of radial shafts rotatably mounted on said support, means for rotating the shafts, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer end of each shaft, means associated with each chuck for centering ware thereon, a universally movable color applicator carried by said support adjacent each chuck and adapted to engage ware supported thereby, a guide member carried by each applicator and adapted to engage the periphery of said ware to keep the applicator a predetermined distance from the edge of the ware, and means for periodislly moving the applicators away from the 21. Apparatus for decorating the edges of cups and the like, comprising an expandible ring adapted to be inserted in a cup,. a wedge for expandirm the ring to grip the cup, a flexible diaphragm connected to said wedge, means for applying suction to the diaphragm to cause the wedge to expand the ring, a color applicator mounted adjacent said ring and adapted to be moved from inoperative to operative position in engagement with the cup, means for eil'ecting relative movement between the applicator and ring circumferentially of the latter to decorate the cup, and means for periodically moving the applicator from one of said positions to the other.

22.. Apparatus for decorating dinnerware, comprismg a rotary chuck, an axially movable suction cup therein, means for applying suction to the cup, a flexible diaphragm adapted to be removably attached to the front of the chuck, means carried by the diaphragm for spacing the suction cup therefrom to permit said suction to be applied to substantially the entire face of the diaphragm, a wedge connected to the diaphragm ing the sleeve tc swing said member away from for movement thereby. an expandible ring encircling the wedge and adapted to be expanded thereby to grip a cup mounted thereon, and color applying means mounted adjacent said chuck and .ring for decoratingware supported thereby.

23. Apparatus for decorating dinnerware, comprising a plurality of ware-holding chucks,

means associated with each chuck for position- K gagement with said applicators, whereby to decorate said ware.

24. Apparatus for decorating dinnerware,

-comprising a. laterally movable chuck, means carried with the chuck for centering a piece of central portion of ware for centering a piece of ware on the chuck, a decorating applicator associated with each chuck, supporting means for continuously moving said chucks and applicators in an endless path, and means for effecting relative movement between each applicator and associated chuck circumferentially of ware on the latter to decorate the ware.

26. Apparatus for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substantially vertical, a substantially horizontal tubular member disposed in front of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of` said mem-ber for decora-ting said ware, means for supplying color to the opposite end ofthe member to wet said material therein, means supporting said member for oscillation in a, plane parallel to the face of vthe chuck, means urging said member in said plane toward a position directly in front of ware on the chuck, means urging said member toward the chuck parallel to its axis to cause said material to engage the ware. and meansrfor n periodically moving said member outwardly away from the chuck and then swinging it laterally away in said plane.

27. Apparatus for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substan-tially'vertical, a substantially horizontal tubular member disposed in front ofthe chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, arod projecting forward from beside the chuck, a sleeve `rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod, means connecting said tubular member to the sleeve, a spring for turning the sleeve to swing said member laterally'in front of the chuck, a spring for sliding the sleeve inwardly on the rod to move said material into contact with ware held by the chuck, and cam means for moving the sleeve outwardly on the rod and for turn- 28. Apparatus for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substantially vertical, a substantially horizontal tubular member disposed infront of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member for decorating said ware, means for supplying'color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, means supporting said member for oscillation in a plane parallel to the face of the chuck, means urging said member .in said plane toward a position directly in front of ware on the chuck, means urging said member toward the chuck parallel to its axis to cause said material to engage the ware, means for periodically moving said member outwardly away from the chuck and then swinging it laterally away in said plane, and automatically actuated means for releasing Nware from said chuck.

29. Apparatus for decorating thev edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substantially vertical, a substantially horizontal tubular member disposed in front of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member for decorating said ware, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, means supporting said member for oscillation in a plane parallel to the face of the chuck, means urging said member in said plane toward a position directly in front of ware on the chuck, means urging said member toward the chuck-parallel to its axis to cause said material to engage the ware, means for periodically movingsaid member outwardly away from the chuck and then swinging it laterally away in said plane, automatically actuated means for releasing ware from said chuck, and a chute for receiving the released ware and conveying it away.

30. Apparatus for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of ware substantially vertical, a substant-ially horizontal tubular member disposed in front of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member for decorating said ware, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, means supporting said member for oscillation in aplane parallel to the face of the chuck, means urging said member in said plane toward a position directly in front of ware on the chuck, means urging said member toward. the chuck parallel to its axis to cause said material to engage the ware, means for periodically moving said member outwardly away from the'chuck and then swinging it laterally away in said plane, a spring-retracted rod slidably mounted beside the chuck with its outer end behind ware supported by the chuck, and a cam for pushing the rod outwardly against the Ware to release it from the chuck.

31. Apparatus for decorating the edges of dinnerware, comprising a rotary chuck for holding a piece of warel substantially vertical, a substantially horizontal tubular member disposed in front of the chuck, wick-like material projecting from one end of said member, means for supplying color to the opposite end of the member to wet said material therein, a bracket associated with the chuck and projecting laterally therefrom, a rod rigidly mounted in the bracket and projecting forward therefrom, a

sleeve rotatably and slidably mounted on the rod, means connecting said tubular member to the sleeve, a lever rotatably mounted at its upper end on said rod between the sleeve and bracket, cam surfaces at the inner side ofthe rod-end of 4the lever for pushing the lever and 'sleeve outwardly on the rod when the lever is swung in one direction, means for periodically swinging the lever in that direction, a spring for sliding the sleeve inwardly on the rod when said lever is released, an arm projecting laterally from the sleeve, means for swinging the arm to swing said tubular member laterally away from the chuck after said sleeve has been moved outwardly on the rod, and a, spring for swinging the arm back when it is released.

32. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a plurality of vacuum chucks adapted to support ware substantially vertically, a exibly supported color applicator disposed adjacent each chuck and having a color-applying sur-v face adapted to engage Ware supported by the chuck to paint a line thereon, means for moving the applicators into and` out of contact with ware on the chucks, supporting means for said chucks and applicators, means for moving said supporting means continuously in a endless path, means for eiecting relative movement between each applicator and adjacent chuck circumferentially of ware on the latter to decorate said ware, and means for automatically releasing decorated Ware from the chucks.

33. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of radial shafts rotatably mounted 'on said support, means for rotating the shafts, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer ,end of each shaft, a color applicator carried by said support adjacent each` chuck and having a colorapplying surface adapted to engage ware supported by the chuck to paint a. circular line thereon, means for periodically moving the applicators away from the ware, and automatically actuated means for pushing outwardly on the ware to release it from the chucks. 1

34. A lining machine for dinnerware, comprising a. rotatable horizontal support, means for continuously rotating said support, a plurality of radial shafts rotatably 'mounted on said support, means for rotating the shafts, a vacuum chuck mounted on the outer'end of each shaft, a flexibly supported color applicator carried by said support, adjacent each chuck having a color-applying surface and adapted to engage ware supported by the chuck to paint a circular line thereon, means for periodically moving the applicators away from the ware, automatically actuated means for pushing outwardly 0n the ware to release it from the chucks, and a chute for receiving the released ware as it falls from the chucks.

WALTER. H. EMERSON. 

